WO2019145866A1 - Electrically conductive yarn for electrodes of an article of clothing, article of clothing, and method for producing an electrically conductive yarn for articles of clothing for stimulating and detecting data of body regions - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrically conductive yarn (10), to an article of clothing (3), and to a method for producing an electrically conductive yarn (10) for articles of clothing (3) for stimulating muscles and nerves in body regions (21). The electrically conductive yarn (10) comprises at least one electrically conductive and elastically extendable yarn (11) and at least one electrically non-conductive and elastically extendable base yarn (12). In a first yarn element (15), the electrically conductive and elastically extendable yarn (11) is wound about the electrically non-conductive and elastically extendable base yarn (12) such that the electrically conductive yarn (11) is arranged on the exterior (15A) of the first yarn element (15). In a second yarn element (16), the electrically non-conductive base yarn (12) is wound about the electric conductive yarn (11) such that the electrically non-conductive base yarn (12) is arranged on the exterior (16A) of the second yarn element (16). The first yarn element (15) and the second yarn element (16) are twisted relative to each other such that a plurality of the first yarn elements (15) and the second yarn elements (16) face the exterior (10A) of the conductive yarn (10) in a helical manner.

Description

 An electrically conductive yarn for garment electrodes, garment and method of making an electrically conductive garment for stimulation garments and

 Data acquisition of body areas

The present invention relates to an electrically conductive yarn for

Electrodes of a garment for stimulating areas of the body.

 Furthermore, the invention relates to a garment for stimulation and data acquisition of muscles and nerves in body areas, wherein the

Garment is made of the electrically conductive yarn.

 In addition, the invention relates to a method for producing an electrically conductive garment yarn for stimulation and data acquisition of muscles and nerves in body areas.

 From the prior art, various items of clothing for

Electrical stimulation (EMS, electrical muscle stimulation) of muscles known.

 The German patent application DE 10 2013 106 864 A1 discloses a garment of a textile material with at least two on the

Garment arranged electrodes. The electrodes are on

Garment sewn or woven and contact when wearing the garment at least a body portion of this garment wearing person. In the garment electrical line connections are arranged, which supply the electrodes with electrical energy. The

Garment has a control device which also drives the electrodes with an AC voltage via lines. Likewise, each electrode can be assigned a control device and its own battery. A

Data communication unit (tablet and / or PC) can communicate with the garment over a distance of up to 200 m and is used to set the control program for the electrodes.

 Further arrangements and clothing for electrostimulation are known from DE 10 2008 003 158 A1, DE 10 2007 046 886 A1, DE 20 2011 109 226 U1,

DE 20 2014 103 548 U1, WO 2014/000736 A2, WO 2009/138961 A2,

US 2008/0097530 A1, KR 10 2010 0024265 A, WO 2014/123812 A2, DE 10 2009 013 627 A1, DE 10 2009 013 627 A1, DE 202 092 19 U1,

 DE 202 092 19 U1 and DE 10 2005 058 850 A1.

 The German patent application DE 10 2015 1 13 420.9 also discloses a garment for electrical stimulation of muscles and nerves in

Body areas of a textile material, with an outside and facing the body areas to be stimulated inside. The garment comprises at least one pair of electrodes located on the inside of the

Garment are attached so that the at least one pair of electrodes when wearing the garment contacted at least a body portion of a user wearing this garment. Each electrode pair is composed of a cathode and an anode, which are provided with corresponding electrical lines. The cathode and the anode are stretchable

Silver electrodes formed.

 The German patent application DE 10 2008 003 124 A1 discloses a garment, compression stocking or bandage consisting of a knitted fabric or knitted fabric having a plurality of threads, wherein at least one functional thread is provided. The length of the functional thread can be controlled or regulated by applying a voltage.

 German patent application DE 10 2009 017 179 A1 discloses a device for complex electromyostimulation with at least one

Contact electrode at selected local places. The device consists of a close-fitting one-piece or multi-part suit made of an elastic textile fabric with integrated, textile-based electrodes, integrated moisture dispensers and integrated, textile-based electrical supply lines.

[010] The German patent application DE 10 2012 112 153 A1 relates to a

Process for producing a textile-based electrode. The electrode is designed as a partial island inlay and is in a textile fabric

arranged. The electrode has at least one electrically conductive thread.

 [01 1] The German patent application DE 10 2014 108 315 A1 relates to a

Device for the treatment of the face. The face mask comprises a knitted backing and knitted electrodes having at least one face facing the face. The electrodes are inlaid in the carrier below Use of electrically conductive threads knitted. The electrodes have on their, the face-facing surface, an elastic, electrically conductive implant as a stimulation layer. The face mask is with a

Operating unit, a signal sensor and a stimulation unit connected.

 The object of the invention is to provide an electrically conductive yarn which can be used for the Fierstellung of a garment for stimulation of muscles and nerves in areas of a user's body, which is suitable for a knitting process for Fierstellung of the garment and a high level of comfort offers.

 [013] The above object is achieved by a conductive yarn for a garment for stimulating muscles and nerves in body areas of a user comprising the features of claim 1.

 It is another object of the invention to provide a garment for stimulation and data acquisition of muscles and nerves in areas of the body of a user, which garment is suitable for a knitting process for Fierstellung the garment and offers a high level of comfort.

 [015] The above object is achieved by a garment for stimulation and data acquisition of muscles and nerves in body areas of a user, comprising the features of claim 7.

 In addition, it is an object of the invention to provide a method for Fierstellung an electrically conductive yarn, which is suitable for garments for stimulation and data acquisition of muscles and nerves in body areas, the garment provides a high level of comfort and in each

Carrying situation the surface contact with the body parts of a user to be stimulated holds.

 [017] The above object is achieved by a method of manufacturing an electrically conductive yarn comprising the features of claim 8.

[018] Each item of clothing used for stimulation and data acquisition of user's body areas defines an outside and an inside. The garment consists essentially of a knitted, textile and reversibly stretchable material. The textile material is in a knitting process of at least one electrically non-conductive and elastically extensible base yarn and made of an electrically conductive and elastically extensible yarn. The garment is thus stretchable and has the advantage of being reliable and in all movement situations on the body parts of the body

User is present.

 For the production of the garment, the inventive electrically conductive yarn is used. The electrically conductive yarn comprises at least one electrically conductive and elastically extensible yarn and at least one electrically non-conductive and elastically extensible base yarn. In a

Embodiment are the electrically conductive yarn and the non-conductive

Base yarn composed of several individual fibers. In one embodiment, a first yarn component and a second yarn component are twisted into each other and thus form the electrically conductive yarn. The first yarn component is designed such that the electrically conductive and elastically extensible yarn is wound around the electrically non-conductive and elastically extensible base yarn. In this type of winding, the electrically conductive yarn is arranged on an outer side of the first yarn component. The second yarn component is designed such that the electrically non-conductive base yarn is wound around the electrically conductive yarn. In this type of winding, the electrically non-conductive base yarn is disposed on an outer side of the second yarn component. In one embodiment, in the finished conductive yarn, the first yarn component and the second yarn component are twisted against each other such that an outside of the conductive yarn, spirally, has a plurality of the first yarn components and second yarn components.

 The conductive yarn according to the invention has the advantage that electrical contact with the body regions to be stimulated is still given even when the conductive yarn processed into an electrode (anode or cathode) expands.

According to a possible embodiment, the electrically conductive yarn may consist of the electrically non-conductive base yarn which is coated with an electrically conductive material. As an electrically conductive material, an electrically conductive silicone is preferred. [022] The electrically conductive yarn is in one embodiment with a

Sheath provided. This casing has the advantage that in the case of silicone, as a coating, on the electrically non-conductive base yarn processing of the electrically conductive yarn in a knitting machine is possible. If the sheathing were missing, the silicon-coated electrically non-conductive base yarn would slow down the knitting process or stick it to the knitting machine. The sheath is in one embodiment a water-soluble plastic. This has the advantage that the casing can be removed in at least one washing process after the completion of the knitted garment. The electrically non-conductive base yarn consists, for example, without limitation of the invention, of cotton and / or spandex. It is for a professional

of course, that the base yarn can also be made from a mixture of different synthetic and natural fibers. One skilled in the art will select the fibers to meet the specifications required for simulation and data acquisition.

 [023] The inventive method for Fierstellung an electrical

Conductive yarn for garments for stimulating muscles and nerves in body areas comprises several steps. First, a first

Garnbestandteil formed by an electrically conductive yarn is wound around an electrically non-conductive base yarn. The electrically conductive yarn is arranged on an outer side of the first yarn component. Also, a second yarn component is formed by winding the electrically non-conductive base yarn around the electrically conductive yarn. In this case, the electrically non-conductive base yarn is arranged on an outer side of the second yarn component.

Finally, the first yarn component and the second yarn component are twisted against each other in Fierstellungsverfahren. As a result, to an outside of the conductive yarn, spirally, a plurality of the first

Garnbestandteil and the second Garnbestandteil is arranged.

In one embodiment, the electrically conductive yarn is produced by coating the electrically non-conductive base yarn with an electrically conductive material. As an electrically conductive material, an electrically conductive silicone is preferred. In order to simplify the processing of the electrically conductive yarn, the electrically conductive yarn may be water-soluble Sheath be provided. The details and advantages of the electrically conductive material and the sheathing, in particular the water-soluble sheath, are already described above in connection with the electrically conductive yarn according to the invention.

 [025]: The garment according to the invention for the stimulation of

Body portions of a user are made of an electrically conductive and stretchable yarn and an electrically non-conductive and extensible base yarn. Both yarns are knitted together to make the garment. The item of clothing comprises at least one pair of electrodes which has formed a planar cathode and a flat anode. The cathode and the anode are an integral part of the textile and reversibly stretchable material, wherein the sheet-like cathode and the sheet anode of space areas of the textile and reversibly stretchable material of electrically non-conductive and extensible base yarn are spatially separated. For contacting the body regions of a user, the planar cathode and the planar anode are oriented substantially towards the inside of the item of clothing. This means that the expandable electrode pair is in electrically conductive contact with the corresponding body areas of the user.

 [026] In one embodiment, the garment for simulating body areas has formed a plurality of electrically conductive and knitted elements. These include, for example, the anode, the cathode, a

A pad for the cathode, a knitted pad for the anode, a knitted first electrical lead connecting the cathode and pad for the cathode, a knitted second lead connecting the anode and pad for the anode, and, optionally, various other electrically conductive connections. The above enumerated elements of the garment are integrated in the textile material. The pad for the anode and the pad for the cathode are essentially the

Outside of the textile material aligned. The garment or the textile material is washable at up to 90 ° C.

 In another embodiment, the textile material of

Garment breathable. [028] The term "knitted" is to be construed broadly as meaning generally processing of one or more yarns into a textile material.

 With regard to the term "stimulation", it should be noted that for the purposes of the invention, the stimulation may include an electrical stimulation, an electromagnetic stimulation or a heat / cold stimulation. A combination of the aforementioned stimulations is also conceivable.

 [030] In general, in all embodiments, the term "body region" in the sense of the invention means either exclusively a muscle region (for

Electromyostimulation (EMS)) or exclusively a nerve area (for

Nerve stimulation) or a combination of a muscle and nerve area, depending on the chosen exercise program. The body regions are, for example, but not limited to, neck regions, shoulder regions, shoulder blades, chest regions, back regions, biceps regions, triceps regions, anterior abdominal muscle regions, lateral abdominal muscle regions, anterior thigh regions, posterior thigh regions,

Calf muscle regions and tibial regions and / or individual muscles, muscle parts, individual nerves or groups of muscles and / or nerves of the user. Ultimately, with the arrangement according to the invention, each muscle and every nerve, including a damaged nerve, can be separately stimulated if the at least one electrode pair is arranged correspondingly. Furthermore, the inventive arrangement and the invention are

Clothing for movement support of old people or animals.

 With regard to the term "data acquisition", it should be noted that for the purposes of the invention, the data acquisition is a body data measurement, such as, for example, heart rate variability (HRV), electroencephalography (EEG), the

Respiratory rate, temperature, motion analysis, muscle activity, muscle fatigue, performance or perspiration analysis. For welding analysis, a sensor from the Fraunhofer Institute with the sensor name "ELECSA" can be used. This sensor can be integrated according to the invention in the textile material for the garment, because the electronics can also be placed on the spot. With respect to the term "user", it should be noted that for the purposes of the invention, generally in all embodiments, both a human and an animal, for example a horse, camel, dog or any other animal with a similar anatomy, may be meant , Similarly, the term "garment" generally means a garment for a human,

or to understand a garment or a textile element for an animal.

Hereinafter, the invention and its advantages will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

 FIG. 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of the item of clothing (T-shirt) according to the invention with a possible embodiment of the arrangement of the electrode pair in the thorax and abdominal region of a user of the present invention

Garment;

 [035] FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the item of clothing (T-shirt) according to the invention from FIG. 1, with a possible embodiment of the arrangement of the pair of electrodes in the back region of a user of the item of clothing;

 [036] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the area marked A in FIG. 1;

 [037] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of that in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 with B

marked area;

 Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the construction of an embodiment of the conductive yarn for knitting electrically conductive elements in a knitted garment;

 FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of a cross section of a possible embodiment of the electrically conductive yarn; and

 Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a cross section of a possible embodiment of the electrically conductive yarn configured for the knitting process.

 In the figures, identical reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent elements of the invention. Further, for the sake of clarity, only

Reference numerals in the individual figures shown for the description of respective figure are required. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of how the conductive yarn of the present invention and a garment made therefrom may be configured and is not intended to be

to be understood as the final limitation. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are enlarged for better illustration, in relation to other elements.

 FIG. 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of the invention

inventive garment 3 (T-shirt) with a possible

Embodiment of the arrangement of the electrode pair 5 in the chest and

Abdominal area of a user of the item of clothing 3. The item of clothing 3 consists of a knitted textile material 100. This means that

current-carrying components such as the electrode pair 5 (anode 52 and cathode 51), the pad 7K for the cathode 51, the pad 7A for the anode 52, the first electric wire 23 from the pad 7K to the cathode 51, and the second electric wire 24 From the terminal pad 7A to the anode 53, are generated in the knitting process for the garment 3. For the

Garment 3 are electrically conductive and elastic yarns 10 (not shown here, see Figures 3 to 5) and electrically non-conductive and elastic

Base yarns 12 (not shown here, see Figures 3 to 7) entangled with each other. This results in an elastically stretchable garment 3 with also elastically stretchable anodes 52, cathodes 51, connection pads 7A, 7K connecting pads, first electrical lines 23 and second electrical lines 24th

With the elastic extensibility of the garment 3, it is ensured that the anodes 52 and cathodes 51 of the electrode pairs 5 of FIG

Garment 3 tight and flush with the body areas (not shown here) of the user rest when the garment, or, the textile material 100 is worn by the user. This ensures optimal and effective stimulation of the body areas. In addition, during the knitting process, the at least one pair of electrodes 5, the flat cathode 51 and the planar anode 52, the connection pad 7A for the anode 52, the second electrical line 24, the anode 52 and the terminal pad 7A for the anode 52 connects the terminal pad 7K for the cathode 51 and the knitted first electric wire 23 connecting the cathode 51 and the terminal pad 7K for the

Cathode 52 connects, formed seamlessly with the other planar regions 40 of the textile material 100, from the non-conductive base yarn 12. Due to the extensibility of the textile material 100 and the preferably seamless entangling of the current-carrying components (anode 52, cathode 51, connection pads 7A and 7K, etc.), optimal transmission of the signals to the body regions (not shown here) can always be given if the Garment or the textile material 100 is worn by the user.

 FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the item of clothing 3 (T-shirt) according to the invention from FIG. 1 with a possible embodiment of the arrangement of an electrode pair 5 in the back region of the item of clothing 3. As can be seen from FIG. 1 and also from FIG Anodes 52 and the cathodes 51 are made in any shape, or, knitted. Although the description of Figure 1 and Figure 2 relates to a T-shirt as garment 3, this should not be construed as limiting the invention. The knitting process for the textile material 100 may be any

Garment 3 can be made in size and shape.

 FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of the one shown in FIG. 1 with A

marked area. Here is a section of the flat cathode 51 with a section of the area adjacent to the flat cathode 51 flat portion 40 of the non-conductive base yarn 12 produced textile material 100. The cathode 51 is composed of several entangled strands 6 of the conductive yarn 10. The planar region 40 of the textile material 100 which adjoins the planar cathode 51 is likewise constructed from a plurality of entangled strands 6 of the nonconductive base yarn 12. The strands 6 of the planar cathode 51 made of the conductive yarn 10 are electrically conductively connected to one another via connections 8. The connections 8 are also made of the conductive yarn 10 and thus stretchable.

 FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of the one in FIG. 2 with B

marked area. Here, a part of the planar anode 52, a part of the terminal pad 7A for the anode 52 and the second electric wire 24 between the terminal pad 7A for the anode 52 and the anode 52 itself is shown. The planar anode 52, the terminal pad 7A for the anode 52 and the second

Electrical line 24 are composed of several strands 6 of the conductive yarn 10, each via a connection of the conductive yarn 10th

connected to each other. Analogous to the description from FIG. 3, connections 8 made of the conductive yarn 10 are likewise provided here, which electrically connect the strands 6 of the planar anode 52 and the strands 6 of the connection pad 7A for the anode 52.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of the structure of a

Embodiment of the conductive yarn 10 for knitting electrically conductive

Elements of a knitted garment 3. The electrically conductive yarn

10 consists of at least one electrically conductive and elastically extensible yarn 11 and at least one electrically non-conductive and elastically extensible base yarn 12. From the electrically conductive and elastically extensible yarn 11 and the electrically non-conductive and elastically extensible base yarn 12, a first Garnbestandteil 15 is formed. The electrically conductive and elastically extensible yarn

11 is wound around the electrically non-conductive and elastically extensible base yarn 12 such that the electrically conductive yarn 11 is disposed on an outer side 15A of the first yarn component 15.

 [048] A second yarn component 16 is formed by winding the electrically non-conductive base yarn 12 around the electrically conductive yarn 11 so that the electrically non-conductive base yarn 12 is disposed on an outer side 16A of the second yarn component 16. The first Garnbestandteil 15 and the second Garnbestandteil 16 is rotated against each other, that to a

Outside 10A of the conductive yarn 10, spiral, a plurality of first yarn components 15 and second yarn components 16 have. The first

Yarn components 15 provide the conductivity of the conductive yarn 10.

 Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a cross section of a possible embodiment of the electrically conductive yarn 1 1. The electrically conductive yarn 11 is constructed from the electrically non-conductive base yarn 12, which is coated with an electrically conductive material 18. Preferably, the electrically conductive material 18 is an electrically conductive silicone.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of a cross section of a possible embodiment of the electrically conductive yarn 1 1, for the

Knitting process is configured. Here is on the electrically conductive material 18 which is applied to the electrically non-conductive base yarn 12, a sheath 17 is provided. The sheath 17 provides for easier processing of the electrically conductive yarn 10 in a knitting machine. Preference is for the

 Sheath 17 is a water-soluble plastic. The sheath 17 may also be designed in the form of a film. In at least one washing process before the delivery of the garment 3, the sheath 17 dissolves. Thus, the outside 10A of the conductive yarn 10 is accessible and can form an electrically conductive contact.

 [051] The application was made with reference to preferred

Embodiments described. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications or changes may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

3 piece of clothing

 5 pairs of electrodes

 6 strand

 7A connection pad for anode

 7K connection pad for cathode

 8 connection

 10 electrically conductive yarn

 10A outside

 11 electrically conductive yarn

 12 electrically non-conductive base yarn

13 fiber

 15 first yarn component

 15A outside

 16 second yarn component

 16A outside

 17 sheathing

 18 electrically conductive material

23 first electrical line

 24 second electrical line

 26 housing

 40 area

 51 cathode

 52 anodes

 53 first connection

 54 second connection

 100 textile material

 A range

 B area

Claims

claims An electrically conductive yarn (10) comprising:  • at least one electrically conductive and elastically extensible yarn (1 1) and at least one electrically non-conductive and elastically extensible base yarn (12);  • a first Garnbestandteil (15), wherein the electrically conductive and  elastically stretchable yarn (11) is wound around the electrically non-conductive and elastically extensible base yarn (12) such that the electrically conductive yarn (11) is disposed on an outer side (15A) of the first yarn component (15); and  A second yarn component (16), in which the electrically nonconductive base yarn (12) is wound around the electrically conductive yarn (1 1) such that the electrically nonconductive base yarn (12) on an outer side (16A) of the second yarn component (16) 16) is arranged;  Wherein the first yarn component (15) and the second yarn component (16) are twisted relative to each other such that a plurality of first helixes spiral to an outside (10A) of the conductive yarn (10)  Garnbestandteilen (15) and second yarn components (16) have. 2. An electrically conductive yarn (10) according to claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive yarn (1 1) consists of the electrically non-conductive base yarn (12) which is coated with an electrically conductive material (18). 3. The electrically conductive yarn (10) according to claim 2, wherein the electrically conductive material (18) is an electrically conductive silicone. 4. An electrically conductive yarn (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrically conductive yarn (1 1) with a sheath (17) is provided. 5. An electrically conductive yarn (10) according to claim 4, wherein the sheath (17) is a water-soluble plastic. 6. An electrically conductive yarn (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrically non-conductive base yarn (12) made of cotton and / or cotton Elastane or other material mixtures. 7. Garment (3) for stimulating muscles and nerves in Body regions (21) of a user comprising  a knitted, textile and reversibly stretchable material (100) of an electrically conductive yarn (10) according to any one of the preceding claims and an electrically non-conductive base yarn (12);  wherein the textile material (100) comprises at least one electrically conductive and reversibly expandable electrode pair (5) of a cathode (51) and an anode (52); and  wherein the electrode pair (5) comprises the conductive and elastic yarn (10), which is integrated into the textile material (100) by knitting in the formation of the textile material (100) and thereby the electrically conductive and stretchable Pair of electrodes (5) to the inside (102) of the textile material (100) is aligned. 8. A method for producing an electrically conductive yarn (10) for Clothing (3) for stimulating muscles and nerves in body areas (21), comprising the following steps:  a) forming a first yarn component (15) by winding an electrically conductive yarn (11) around an electrically nonconductive base yarn (12), wherein the electrically conductive yarn (11) is attached to an outside (15A) of the first yarn component (15) 15) is arranged;  b) forming a second yarn component (16) by winding the electrically non-conductive base yarn (12) around the electrically conductive yarn (11), the electrically non-conductive base yarn (12) being attached to an outer surface (16A) of the second yarn component (16). 16) is arranged; and c) rotating the first yarn component (15) and the second yarn component (16) against each other such that a plurality of first yarn components (15) and second yarn components (16) are spirally arranged to an outside (10A) of the conductive yarn (10) becomes. The method of claim 8, wherein the electrically conductive yarn (11) is made by overcoating the electrically non-conductive base yarn (12) with an electrically conductive material (18), which is preferably an electrically conductive silicone. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the electrically conductive material (18) coated electrically non-conductive base yarn (12) is provided with a water-soluble sheath (17).